Quality Clothes – An Outline of a Model for Assessing the Quality of Customized Clothing

Ritva Koskennurmi-Sivonen, Päivikki Pietarila

Abstract

An outline of a conceptual model is offered for as- sessing the quality of customized clothing. The model is based on a former couture model, theoretical re- search on quality and related issues, and interview data from makers and users of customized clothing. The model suggests that assessments of quality occur in three periods of time: 1) before ordering, 2) during designing and making, and 3) during the use and stor- age of the clothes. Before ordering, the reputation of a maker—through shows, exhibitions, promotional letters, location, signs of professional affiliation, portfolios, clients’ existing garments, stories told—is the main source of informa- tion for assessment, which is a recommendation to a potential client. In the process, style, fit, and features are developed through design, technique, and material to obtain fit- ness for use. Not only the process and the emerging product are assessed, but also interaction, information and confidence. During use and storage, serviceability, fitness for use, reliability, durability, and pleasurability are assessed as dimensions of quality.